Newly implemented changes to road rules that state motorists towing another vehicle with a tow rope can only travel at 50kmh may not be widely known by the driving public, Gore District Council roading manager Murray Hasler says.
The rule change, which came into force on November 1 at the same time as the much publicised ban on cellphone use while driving, applied to the use of non-rigid towing systems, including tow ropes, and might not have been picked up by motorists, Mr Hasler said.
Motorists would have been used to towing at a higher speed and would now incur stiff fines if they were caught travelling at more than 50kmh.
Existing penalties for exceeding the speed limit would apply. Infringement fees for speeding increased progressively from $30 for speeds less than 10kmh over the limit, to a maximum fine of $630 for speeds up to 50kmh over the limit.
Those travelling at more than 50kmh over the limit could be charged with careless, dangerous or reckless driving.
At more than 40kmh above the speed limit they could incur a 28-day licence suspension, which could lead to the vehicle being seized and impounded for 28 days.
"Now, if you're caught, you could face a possible loss of your licence or having your car confiscated," Mr Hasler said.
"The towing one [rule] is one that could catch out a lot of people," Mr Hasler said.
The council had fielded calls about another rule change that related to mopeds. It was now permissible for delivery people to drive motorcycles or mopeds on a footpath for deliveries to letter boxes, he said.
Road-controlling authorities were able to issue permits to delivery people, Mr Hasler said.
"We have had a couple of inquiries from some delivery people," Mr Hasler said.
